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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Veterinary Technician

Highland, MN

... * Assist veterinarian with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia's, taking direct supervision from the veterinarian(s) and the Hospital Office Manager or Hospital ...

Banfield

Certified Veterinary Technician

Rochester, MN · On-site

$22.01 - $31.80/hr

Certified Veterinary Technician This posting will remain open for a minimum of two weeks from the position posted date. We are hiring for the following location: * Rochester, MN The pay range for ...

Banfield

Certified Veterinary Technician

Oronoco, MN

$22.01 - $31.80/hr

Certified Veterinary Technician This posting will remain open for a minimum of two weeks from the position posted date. We are hiring for the following location: * Rochester, MN The pay range for ...

Banfield

Certified Veterinary Tech

Rochester, MN

$22.01 - $31.80/hr

Certified Veterinary Technician This posting will remain open for a minimum of two weeks from the position posted date. We are hiring for the following location: * Rochester, MN The pay range for ...

Banfield

Certified Veterinary Technician

Byron, MN

$22.01 - $31.80/hr

Certified Veterinary Technician This posting will remain open for a minimum of two weeks from the position posted date. We are hiring for the following location: * Rochester, MN The pay range for ...

Mayo Clinic

Veterinary Technologist - Research

Rochester, MN · On-site

$27.99 - $41.98/hr

Works directly with the veterinarians and interacts with staff, residents, medical students, and other personnel using the animal facilities to exchange information and resolve problems. Serves as a ...

Veterinary Solut!ons Services

Veterinarian

Kasson, MN · On-site

$120K/yr

Associate Veterinarian$100,000-$120,000/year (DOE) $50,000 Sign-On BonusUnlimited PTOGrow Your Career Love helping pets and want a role where your growth actually matters? This full-service small ...

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All JobsVeterinary JobsVeterinary Assistant JobsVeterinary Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN

Veterinary Assistant information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$10

$17

$24

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Rochester, MN is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the top pay for a veterinary assistant?

The top pay for a veterinary assistant typically ranges from $15 to $20 per hour, with some experienced or specialized assistants earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the type of veterinary practice, and additional certifications may lead to higher pay.

Is being a veterinary assistant worth it?

Veterinary assistants perform tasks such as animal care, cleaning, and supporting veterinarians, often working in clinics or animal hospitals. The role can be rewarding for those passionate about animals but typically offers entry-level pay and requires physical stamina and good communication skills. Career advancement may involve gaining experience or pursuing additional certifications in veterinary technology.

What are some typical challenges veterinary assistants face when working in fast-paced animal clinics?

Veterinary assistants in busy clinics often juggle multiple tasks, such as restraining animals, cleaning exam rooms, assisting with procedures, and communicating with pet owners. Managing high patient volume while maintaining accuracy and compassion can be challenging, especially during emergencies or peak hours. Teamwork, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are essential to handle shifting priorities and ensure quality care for both animals and clients.

What Do Veterinary Assistants Do?

Veterinary Assistants, or vet assistants, help Veterinarians and Veterinarian Technicians in animal care hospitals, animal clinics, or other veterinary facilities. As a Veterinary Assistant, you feed, bathe, and exercise animals in your care. Veterinarian Assistants also restrain animals when the vet examines or treats them. Other job duties may include greeting pet owners when they enter the office, organizing files, and cleaning and sterilizing equipment. Some Veterinary Assistant positions require you to perform lab work, such as collecting urine samples from animals, drawing blood, and administering medication under the supervision of the primary veterinarian or technician.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterinary Assistant, and why are they important?

Veterinary Assistants need a basic understanding of animal care, handling, and medical terminology, often supported by a high school diploma or veterinary assistant certification. Familiarity with animal restraint techniques, cleaning protocols, and veterinary software systems is common in this role. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills distinguish exceptional Veterinary Assistants. These abilities are crucial for ensuring animal well-being, supporting veterinarians, and maintaining an efficient, safe clinical environment.

What are veterinary assistants?

Veterinary assistants are animal care professionals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal clinics, hospitals, and shelters. Their duties include feeding, bathing, and exercising animals, cleaning and disinfecting kennels and exam rooms, and assisting with handling animals during examinations or procedures. They may also help with administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and maintaining records. Veterinary assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of animals and the smooth operation of veterinary facilities.

What is the difference between Veterinary Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAssist veterinarians and technicians in clinics, animal shelters, and labsPerform more advanced medical procedures under supervision in clinics and hospitals
Job ResponsibilitiesAnimal restraint, cleaning, basic patient care, clerical tasksPerform lab work, administer medications, assist in surgeries, diagnostic testing
Industry UsageCommon entry-level role in veterinary practicesMore specialized role requiring formal education and certification

The main difference between a Veterinary Assistant and a Veterinary Technician lies in their education, responsibilities, and level of medical involvement. Veterinary Technicians have formal training and perform more complex medical tasks, while Veterinary Assistants focus on basic support and animal care. Both roles are essential in veterinary settings, but technicians typically have greater responsibilities and qualifications.

What qualifications do you need to be a vet assistant?

Veterinary assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. While formal education is not always required, completing a veterinary assistant program or certification can improve job prospects. Basic knowledge of animal care, good communication skills, and the ability to handle animals safely are important for this role.

Is 30 too late to become a vet?

Veterinary assistants can start their careers at any age, and becoming a veterinarian typically requires completing a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, which can be pursued at any age. Many people enter veterinary school later in life, so 30 is not too late to pursue a career in veterinary medicine or related roles in animal care.

Can I be a vet assistant with no experience?

Veterinary assistants often do not need prior experience to start, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills such as animal handling, communication, and a willingness to learn are important, and some employers may prefer candidates with related certifications or coursework in animal care.
More about Veterinary Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Rochester, MN? The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN? For Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:
Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Assistant job openings in Rochester, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,451 per year, or $17.5 per hour.
Veterinary Assistant-Heritage Pet Hospital

Veterinary Assistant-Heritage Pet Hospital

Lakefield Veterinary Group

Rochester, MN • On-site

$18 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Veterinary Assistant
For the Person Who Loves Medicine, Loves Pets, and Wants to Be Part of Something Exceptional
Heritage Pet Hospital | Rochester, MN
Brand-New 6,000 Sq. Ft. Hospital Opening Soon
Not everyone is cut out to be a Veterinary Assistant.
This job is for the person who gets excited about learning new medical skills. The person who notices the little things. The person who can comfort a nervous puppy, help monitor a recovering patient, clean up a mess without being asked, and then jump right into the next task with a smile.
It's for someone who wants to be busy, wants to learn, and wants to make a difference every single day.
If you love medicine, love animals, and find purpose in helping both pets and the people who love them, keep reading.
Why Heritage?
Heritage Pet Hospital has been voted Best of the Best year after year, but what we're most proud of is our team.
We are a collaborative group of veterinary professionals who genuinely enjoy working together. We support each other, celebrate wins together, and step in when someone needs help. Drama doesn't belong here. Teamwork does.
Our hospital currently has seven veterinarians, a diverse caseload, and a culture built around learning, growth, respect, and exceptional patient care.
We're also preparing to move into our beautiful new state-of-the-art facility, giving our team access to expanded treatment areas, improved workflow, advanced equipment, and an environment designed for high-quality medicine.
What You'll Get To Do
No two days look exactly the same.
One moment you may be helping obtain a medical history from a client. The next, you're assisting with diagnostics, monitoring a hospitalized patient, helping prepare for surgery, comforting a scared pet, or supporting the veterinary team during a busy treatment day.
You'll be an important part of the medical team and play a direct role in helping pets heal, recover, and live healthier lives.
A typical day may include:
Assisting veterinarians and technicians with patient care
Obtaining patient histories and gathering medical information
Helping with diagnostics, treatments, and laboratory procedures
Monitoring hospitalized and surgical patients
Administering medications and treatments as directed
Providing client education and support
Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe medical environment
Restraining and comforting patients during exams and procedures
Supporting treatment, surgery, and hospitalization workflows
Being a reliable teammate who jumps in wherever help is needed
The Kind of Person We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who:
• Loves veterinary medicine and wants to keep learning
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys staying busy
• Notices details that others miss
• Takes initiative instead of waiting to be told what to do
• Can adapt when priorities change throughout the day
• Stays positive under pressure
• Works well with all kinds of personalities
• Leaves the drama at the door
• Finds joy in helping both pets and people
• Wants to be part of a team, not just collect a paycheck
Experience is valuable, but attitude matters just as much.
If you're dependable, motivated, eager to learn, and committed to providing exceptional care, we'd love to meet you.
What We Offer
Compensation
$18-$27 per hour
(Based on experience)
Benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Generous Employee Pet Discount
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• HSA with Employer Contribution
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Employer-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Long-Term Care Coverage
• Performance-Based Bonus Opportunities
Schedule
• Full-Time
• 40 Hours Per Week
• Various Shift Options Available
• Rotating Saturdays
• Opportunities to grow as our hospital continues to expand
Sound Like You?
If you love medicine, enjoy being part of a hardworking team, and want to help shape the future of an already thriving veterinary hospital, we'd love to hear from you.
Come grow with us. Learn with us. Make a difference with us.
Apply today by emailing Deb at
debra.bahr@heritagepetvet.com
For more information about Heritage Pet Hospital, visit: heritagepetvet.com
Compensation Range
$18-$27 USD

Apply